BBC airing young Merlin series

LONDON, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- The BBC has begun airing "Merlin," a new television series about a young version of a wizard who is popular in British legend and literature.

"We forget that Merlin at some point was a young guy, finding his place in the world," said the medieval mystic's portrayer, actor Colin Morgan, 22. "I think that's what this series really deals with -- how Merlin comes to terms with his powers, his destiny. And how he finds a place for himself in the world of Camelot, where he can't be himself."

The show, which premiered on British television during the weekend, is being shot in Penarth in the Vale of Glamorgan, the BBC said.

It features Katie McGrath as Morgana, Bradley James as Prince Arthur, Santiago Cabrera as Lancelot and Angel Coulby as Guinevere. John Hurt lends his voice to the non-human character of the Great Dragon, Merlin's mentor, the BBC said.

"It's really good fun to take the classic legends and say how they began," said "Merlin" producer and co-creator Johnny Capps.

The BBC did not say if or when the show will be aired through its U.S. arm BBC America.